Monthly Archives June 2014

Oman is an Arab state on the eastern coast of the Arabian peninsula. But what makes Oman special is that it is unlike any of the other Arab states. It is a civilization steeped in history and is the perfect blend of the modern and the traditional. It has,by far, the most heterogeneous culture among the Arab states. It is the land of Sindbad the sailor and has had cultural linkages with both East Africa and Persia since ancient times. It is these linkages and the enduring stamp that they have left on the Omani way of life, along with the Arab influence, that make Oman culturally richer and unique among its neighbours and peers in the Middle East...

If you are familiar with this blog, you would be able to guess that I absolutely dig opportunities that let me travel to one of the many national parks in India. These nature reserves preserve and showcase the unparalleled biodiversity that India possesses. The dizzying array of flora and fauna in the Indian jungles can be represented by one iconic animal – the Royal Bengal Tiger. The sight of a tiger cooling off in a water hole, confident and unfettered, and then walking with a nonchalant swagger, that only the powerful can have, and turning his gaze at the beholder for the last time before disappearing into a bush as if to say “Hey! What’s so interesting? I am just being a tiger”, evokes emotions so profound that are indescribable in words...

Bandhavgarh is popular as the tiger haven of India. A national park where almost every visitor is guaranteed a tiger sighting. People throng here in the hundreds to see the world’s largest cat in it’s natural habitat. This park has been the scene where some of the most iconic tiger documentaries have been made. It is also the home of Bamera, India’s largest tiger. I had the opportunity to visit Bandhavgarh earlier this month. It was a trip full of bitter sweet moments. The generally benevolent tigers of Bandhavgarh did not oblige but I was blown away by the sheer natural beauty of the environs here.

I had booked two jungle safaris for my stay here. I must say there was never a dull moment in those 8 hours I was inside the reserve...

The allure of a Mumbai to Goa road trip had not left me since I had first watched ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. The movies beautiful and fun filled depiction of the drive to Goa and Goa itself had made me want to do a similar trip for a long time. So when a group of friends planned such a trip, I happily joined in. And what a trip it was! When the feeling of being with some of your best friends combines with the festive atmosphere of Goa against the scenic backdrop that only Goa can provide, it creates a heady cocktail that can both blow your senses and sooth them. And it is the ability to cater to both these extremities that defines the Goa experience.

We spent the first half of our time in South Goa. We stayed at a resort on the Palolem Beach. South Goa is scenic and peaceful...